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The state House this week approved state Rep. Aaron Miller’s legislation to eliminate the requirement for a professional teaching certificate to new educators, giving teachers more time to work with students and focus on educational growth in the classroom. New teachers are issued a standard – formerly called a provisional – teaching certificate, with a professional teaching certificate available to …

A Michigan man who caused a crash that killed a northern Indiana couple has been sentenced to one year of probation. A Berrien County judge also ordered 81-year-old Charles Habenicht on Tuesday to pay nearly $31,000 in fines, costs and restitution for funeral expenses in the April 2017 crash that killed David and Christine Cox of Granger, Indiana. The Buchanan, …

Michigan drivers may soon have a grace period for displaying a license plate on their vehicles. State senators unanimously approved a House bill Wednesday requiring drivers to fasten and display a registration plate on their vehicles no later than 30 days after the registration or renewal date. The current Michigan Vehicle Code prohibits all driving on the highway without a …

A reactor at a nuclear power plant in southwestern Michigan is shutting down this week for refueling, maintenance and testing. Indiana Michigan Power says power has been reduced at Cook Nuclear Plant’s Unit 2 and the unit will be shut down starting Thursday. The outage is expected to last several months. About 1,800 contracted workers will supplement the plant’s 1,100-person …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department has issued a media release, reminding the public of flood-related information. Sheriff Brad Balk said to not drive on water-covered roads or around barricades. The suggestion is for public safety and to reduce the risk of road damage. Also, Balk said sandbags are still available at the sheriff’s office.

The local United Way is coordinating efforts to assist flood victims. A fund has been set up by the county’s United Way office for those who wish to help disaster-relief efforts caused by recent flooding. Checks can be made out to the United Way and designated for flood cleanup. All funds will be made available to help with the cleanup. …

The Indiana-Michigan Power company is cautioning customers and the public to use extreme caution because of flooding. In the event waters rise around your home or business, do not go into any room or basement if water is covering appliance cords that are plugged in, or if the water has reached the wall outlets. Additionally, company officials said to not …

Two people were arrested by White Pigeon police last week. Officers said the vehicle in which the two were riding was pulled over Friday on U.S. 12 near U.S. 131. In searching the vehicle, police located approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine. The driver, a 29-year-old Sturgis woman, was arrested for possession of meth with intent to deliver. The passenger, a …

A northern Indiana man is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in the January 2017 fatal stabbing of a co-worker during an argument while they were taking a break at a southwestern Michigan business. The Cass County prosecutor’s office says William Henderson of Elkhart entered the plea Monday. As part of his plea agreement he faces at least …

A former firefighter who confessed to lighting seven structures on fire in Michigan will spend at least six years in prison. Kyle David Norden, 40, was sentenced Monday in Van Buren County Circuit Court to six to 20 years in prison for arson, The Herald-Palladium reported . He was also ordered to pay more than $500,000 in court costs and restitution. Judge …